“It’s the right decision for the club.”

Following the departure of Matt Green to Salford City, The Imps’ boss Danny Cowley said while it’s a move that has a tinge of sadness, it’s one which is right for everyone moving forward.

“We didn’t want to lose Matt Green and he said he didn’t want to go but he’s also looking forward to a new challenge. Overall what it does though is it represents a business opportunity which is good for the club.” Cowley said.

“For Matt at this stage in his career, allied to him only having six months left on his contract to get the fee for him represents good business. All the previous success we have had has come from generating our own income over the past few years, we had the prize money from the FA Cup and the Checkatrade Trophy and of course the money from selling the likes of Sean Raggett and Alex Woodyard too.”

“We’ve got some really intelligent businessmen on the board, who are building a really strong and sustainable business model but we know there is a requirement for us to generate our own money that the board kindly allow us to reinvest. I think we have to stay real about where we are as a football club.”

The City manager praised the attitude, application and contribution made by the striker during his stay at Sincil Bank over the past 18 months but reiterated that it’s a decision based on what’s best for the club now and in the future.

“Greeny has been fantastic on and off the pitch, he’s a lovely boy, scored a lot of goals for us last year which helped us get the club to Wembley for the first time and the playoffs in our first season back in the league and we wouldn’t have done that without the contribution of Matt and the partnership between him and Matt Rhead.

“His attitude and application throughout his time at the club has been first class, the way he conducted himself has been brilliant, we’re sad to see him go but sometimes you have to respect that these tough decisions have to be made for the good of the football club moving forward.”